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We have been to Florida a good few times and are going back this year from Ireland. We are staying in Orlando for 4 nights and Naples for a week - are looking to go somewhere else for 3-4 nights and someone suggested Sarasota .

We will be 4 /adults and a 2 yr old . Never been to Sarasota and have no idea where to start looking . We would ideally like a 3 bedroom place in a hotel/resort that has kitchen, washer dryer etc in the room. Somewhere within walking distance of restaurants for night time - we would like a pool in the resort and some where close to shopping etc . We are going in early Jan and will be looking to stay in Sarasota from the 5th Jan.

From a budget point of view prob looking at the USD 200 - 300 per night. Does not have to be close to the beach - somewhere safe and that would have a bit going on a night time .

Look at the Holiday Inn on Lido Key which is just off the Sarasota mainland. Get a room that faces the Gulf. The water will be too cold to go in at that time of year but it is very pleasant to be able to sit on the balcony and watch it .. may even see the dolphins in the early morning.

Do look at Holiday Inn, Lido Beach and Helmsley as has been suggested but I doubt that you'll find a 3-bedroom unit at any of those, and definitely not likely to have a washer/dryer in the room or to be within your price range, especially if it is for a rental period of less than 7 days. Lido would be a good location, but you'll probably have to give up some things. Maybe go for two connecting rooms with a third separate room; probably a shared washer/dryer area as opposed to being in your room. And most likely not within your price target in January at those places. You might try more of a motel-like option, with kitchen facilities, which has lower pricing. On Lido Key take a look at Coquina on the Beach; that might work.

If you haven't done so already, also post your question on the Anna Maria Island forum.

Great thanks - after thinking about it we won't need the washer dryer as we will have it in the other places . Just need somewhere with some space - I could probably go for a big 2 bed rather than a 3 bed . We could prob go higher on the budget but just want to pick the right area first .

There's a place on Longboat Key, Beach Castle, that has a large 3-bedroom unit that is available from January 5 to January 8 (but booked just before and just after those dates). The cost for that period including taxes is $1345. It would be a quiet spot, has a private lanai, and overlooks Sarasota Bay. Beach Castle stretches from Sarasota Bay on one side over to the Gulf of Mexico on the other side so you'll have easy access to the beach, as well as to a pool. However, Longboat is a quiet place -- some great restaurants but not known for it's nightlife. Also you would not be able to walk to shops from there; it's about a 5 mile drive to the St. Armands Circle shops/restaurants and Lido Key area.

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Re: First timers ! Help

17 July 2014, 06:19

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